An alternative treatment for acne scars

Acne scarring can negatively affect one’s confidence. Thankfully, there are a plethora of treatments for acne scarring. Besides microneedling and laser, filler can be an alternative. Options for fillers include hyaluronic acid (including Restylane and Juvederm), polymethyl methacrylate microspheres with collagen (Bellafill), poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra), and autologous fat transfer, which is when fat is taken from the person and injected into the acne scars. However, Bellafill is the only FDA-approved filler to treat acne scars. Fillers can be used on areas of the face including the cheeks, nose, lips, and chin, and around the mouth.

Bellafill is a long-lasting dermal filler that is approved to treat acne scarring. It’s made up of collagen sourced from cows and polymethyl methacrylate beads which structurally supports the skin. Collagen is also known to add volume to the skin. Eventually, the collagen will reabsorb into the body, but the PMMA microspheres remain. This provides structure and support to the skin and allows for more collagen to develop. Results will usually last up to a year. In order to receive Bellafill treatment you must be over the age of 21 and not have any allergies to bovine collagen.

Another filler option is hyaluronic acid such as Juvederm and Restylane. These fillers can improve the deepness of the scars to by reducing the depressions. Unlike Bellafill, these fillers are a better option if you want something more temporary. The results are immediate though. The downside is that you will need to reinject the depressions in your skin caused by acne scars once every couple of months.

Poly-L-lactic acid, also known as Sculptra, is another filler option for treating acne scars as well. This filler is not like the others due to the fact that it won’t automatically plump your skin. Instead, it stimulates your skin’s production of collagen to gradually reduce the appearance of acne scars over a few months. You will need to get more treatments probably every month to three months.

How much do these fillers cost? Well, the price of fillers for acne scars depends on where you’re getting the procedure done, what type of filler you choose, and how much filler you’ll need to treat your scars. Since this is generally considered an elective cosmetic procedure, it will not be covered by health plans and you will probably need to take more than one day off work.